This white paper provides an overview of how different NDT techniques can be modeled and simulated, highlighting the need for modern CAE tools that enable an efficient exploration of all variables involved.

By DE Editors

August 23, 2019

The latest version of CONTACT Elements software from CONTACT Software focuses on efficient product development. Users can benefit from comprehensive functional enhancements and the integration of agile processes. Together with the CONTACT Elements Design System, the new platform release offers more user-friendliness and performance along the entire product life cycle.

CONTACT Software's new 15.4 version of its open and modular Elements Platform delivers combinable, coordinated software modules for companies that want to optimize their added value along the product life cycle. Intuitive web applications based on the CONTACT Elements Design System make Elements a platform for the needs of engineers and developers, according to the company.

The numerous new and further developments are available to users in all products based on the platform, such as CIM Database PLM, Project Office and CONTACT Elements for IoT. Complex projects can now be organized even more efficiently. Thus, the new substitute function simplies the organization within teams. Sub-workflows increase overview and flexibility in complex work processes. With the extension of the element module Universal Classification, relationships between requirements and articles can now be visually displayed and secured using Digital Mock-Ups.

Consistent Requirements Management

Requirements Engineering is a standard building block of the Elements platform. The new editor significantly simplifies the definition of requirements. Users attach images and sketches, create specifications in several languages and thus create an overview. Developers can link their requirement catalogs with those of other locations and make the product development process as transparent as possible.

Efficient Production Planning

The xBOM Manager extends the synchronization of parts lists beyond the production view. Users have the possibility to compare development BOMs directly with service or plant-related BOMs. Differences between development and production are thus also visible for each plant. Companies with several production sites in particular can thus plan their production as efficiently as possible. Elements 15.4 also integrates the 3D preview directly into the xBOM Manager.

The xBOM Manager with new 3D preview. Image courtesy of CONTACT Software.

Agile Project Management

Taskboards are an important tool for an efficient organization of tasks in a team and support agile methods with the new version of CONTACT Elements. New Sprint Boards allow working with SCRUM Sprints. Tasks can be moved and prioritized via drag and drop in the backlog. In addition to tasks, pre-defined actions are also taken up in the taskboard and all changes are documented by Audit Trail.

Low-Code Platform for Smart Products

With version 15.4 CONTACT Elements for IoT receives many innovations and extensions of its best-in-class components for connected products and digital business models. The IoT platform is easy to configure (Low-Code) and enables users to quickly implement IoT solutions and business applications as well as to optimally add value to their data using the digital twin.

The new Event Engine provides more transparency about the device status in the field. Status changes or faults are signalled, documented and tracked via the digital twin using predefined system actions. The same or similar devices can be monitored, controlled and evaluated via Fleet Management. Multi Tenancy enables companies to provide their customers with a digital environment for the management of their digital assets or products.

The release also includes enhanced data providers, a comprehensive Trigger Engine, and numerous additional dashboard widgets.

“With Elements for IoT, companies are able to deploy comprehensive and professional IoT solutions in days instead of weeks or months,” says Dr. Jan Kickstein, head of IoT Development at CONTACT Software.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.